Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can be an uncomfortable condition. It is something that you may want to seek assistance for if you experience it, something that Dr. I. Stephen Brown can treat you for. But first, you may want to know more about dry mouth, including the causes and effects. Let’s take a look.
What Is Dry Mouth?
As you may know, we all need saliva. It’s important to keep the mouth hydrated and to help with the digestion of food. Another of its functions is to control bacteria in the mouth. However, when your body isn’t making enough saliva, it can be uncomfortable. So it’s important to identify what’s going on and seek dry mouth treatment from an experienced periodontist such as Dr. I. Stephen Brown.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
When you suspect that you have dry mouth, you may also be interested in what could have caused it. Sometimes, it can be as simple as a side effect from some of the medication that you’re taking, such as muscle relaxants, anxiety medication, and antihistamines, among others.
Dry mouth can also be a side effect of some diseases or infections, like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and stroke, among others. And finally, you may find that it can be caused by medical treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy damaging the saliva glands.
The Effects Of Dry Mouth
It’s knowing that dry mouth can affect your thirst levels, but that’s not all. You’ll find that you have a dry, tight feeling to the mouth and it can make your lips sore and cracked. It can also be uncomfortable to talk and swallow. As food isn’t being washed away by the saliva, you may find that you get bad breath easily. And if you’re wearing lipstick, it can stick to your teeth with no saliva to wash that away either.
Treatment Options
It’s important to speak to a periodontist such as Dr I. Stephen Brown for treatment if you suspect that you have dry mouth. If you suspect it is due to the medication you’re taking, you will want to consult your doctor. You may also be prescribed an oral rinse that will help you to bring back moisture into the mouth.
However, an important part of dry mouth treatment is for you to drink lots of water to keep the mouth hydrated, breath through your nose as much as you can, and to brush and rinse your teeth regularly.
Ways To Relieve It
If you want to be able to relieve dry mouth there are things you can do to help. Sucking on a sugar-free candy or gum can hydrate the mouth and circulate more salvia, particularly those with xylitol. Caffeine and tobacco can make the problem worse so avoid them as much as you can.
If you are concerned about dry mouth, please contact us for treatment today.